The City of Pasco is addressing the essential matter of water rights management and its impact on the community's growth. The Pasco City Council has established a special ad hoc subcommittee to review the recent changes to the municipal water rights acquisition fee, including the surcharge and the 140% fee increase.
Meeting Details:
- Wednesday, January 31, 2024, 6:00 PM
- City Council Chambers, Pasco City Hall, 525 N. 3rd Avenue
This initiative is part of the Council's ongoing efforts to ensure sustainable city development and responsible resource management. The review of the ordinance, initially passed on November 27, reflects the City Council's commitment to balanced and equitable governance.
The updated ordinance, effective from December 8, aligns the water rights acquisition fee with current market rates, now set at $4,150 per acre-foot. Additionally, it introduces a 50% surcharge for properties with relinquished water rights within the last decade. These measures are designed to distribute the costs of new developments fairly, ensuring they contribute to the community's shared water resources. Importantly, these changes do not affect residential water bills.
The subcommittee, with Councilmembers Leo Perales and Charles Grimm, will explore various aspects of the ordinance to ensure that it aligns with the City's growth and development needs. The City Council's approach balances the need for development with prudent resource management.
City Manager Adam Lincoln expressed the City's dedication to thorough deliberation: "We are committed to ensuring that every aspect of this issue is carefully considered to support Pasco's future."
As Pasco experiences rapid growth and prepares for significant development, including the construction of 23,000 new housing units in the next 20 years, this discussion becomes increasingly significant for the community's sustainable development.
The City Council invites the public to join this important conversation.
For further details, please contact the City Manager's Office at (509) 544-3060, or see the Water Rights information page here.